touchiness

/ˈtʌtʃinəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtʌtʃinəs/ (ame, ipa) · /-chēnə̇s How to pronounce touchiness (audio) -chin-/ (ame, mw)

touchiness — noun

1. the quality of a subject or situation that makes people handle it carefully beca

1.名詞C1
釋義

the quality of a subject or situation that makes people handle it carefully because it could upset, embarrass, or anger someone

例句

Because of the touchiness of the pay dispute, Amira asked for a private meeting.

because of the touchiness of + noun

The museum delayed its statement because the touchiness of the topic worried donors.

the touchiness of + topic

同義詞
  • sensitivity

    is broader and more neutral; it can also describe emotional awareness or physical reaction

  • delicacy

    is slightly more formal and stresses the need for tact

  • volatility

    focuses more on the risk of conflict or sudden reaction than on tact

反義詞
  • straightforwardness

    describes a topic that can be discussed openly without special care

  • neutrality

    suggests a matter is unlikely to provoke emotion or argument

文法句型

the touchiness of [topic/issue/subject]

because of the touchiness of [matter]

用法筆記

Most often used for issues, subjects, or situations rather than for people. Distinguish this sense from sense 2, which describes a person's quick offended reaction.

常見錯誤

❌The touchiness of the maths problem confused the class.
✅The difficulty of the maths problem confused the class.
💡Touchiness is about possible offence or tension, not about something being hard to solve.

2. the habit of feeling annoyed or hurt very quickly by small jokes, remarks, or cr

2.名詞C1
釋義

the habit of feeling annoyed or hurt very quickly by small jokes, remarks, or criticism

例句

Stephanie's touchiness about money made every holiday plan turn tense.

touchiness about + topic

After one joke about his haircut, Liam answered with obvious touchiness.

with obvious touchiness after a joke

同義詞
  • sensitivity

    is broader and can be positive; touchiness is sharper and more negative

  • defensiveness

    focuses on protecting yourself when you feel attacked

  • irritability

    describes a general bad temper, not necessarily feeling insulted

反義詞
  • resilience

    describes the ability to recover from criticism or discomfort

  • easygoingness

    suggests a relaxed nature that is not easily upset

文法句型

touchiness about [money/age/criticism]

touchiness over [small correction/joke]

用法筆記

Often names a sore point with about or over. Compared with sensitivity, this sense is more negative and suggests quick annoyance or defensiveness.

常見錯誤

❌Her touchiness to criticism makes meetings difficult.
✅Her touchiness about criticism makes meetings difficult.
💡Use about or over for the thing that makes someone react badly.